(AGENPARL) – mer 13 luglio 2022 Sisters Advocating Globally: UISG spotlights
Catholic Sisters leading on global development challenges
In the second instalment of its #NewLeaders campaign, UISG features Sisters who are speaking up for the rights and inclusion of the communities they serve
[PRESS RELEASE IN ENGLISH](https://www.uisg.org/files/allegatodocumento/2022/Sisters_Advocating_Globally_EN_2022_7_13.pdf)
[COMUNICATO STAMPA IN ITALIANO](https://www.uisg.org/files/allegatodocumento/2022/Sisters_Advocating_Globally_IT_2022_7_13.pdf)
Rome, 13th July 2022 – The [International Union of Superiors General](https://www.uisg.org/en/) (UISG) has released New Leaders: Sisters Advocating Globally, the second instalment in its campaign to update the public on the ministries of Catholic Sisters, and shine a spotlight on their commitment to tackling the world’s most pressing development challenges. The message of this video is summarised in its final statement, We are your Sisters: we are committed to advocating for you and with you, sharing a journey of care for people and for the environment.
Following New Leaders: Leadership for change, which was released in June, this month’s video features Sisters who are striving to bring the voices of the world’s most marginalised communities into the centre of the development dialogue. As world leaders increasingly become aware of the need for development solutions led by and tailored to the most vulnerable, Sisters are at the forefront of a movement to reshape global conversations around the needs of our most neglected communities.
Sisters Advocating Globally is the name of UISG’s advocacy project, launched in 2020 with support from the [Global Solidarity Fund](https://www.globalsolidarityfund.org/) (GSF). Over the past two years, the project has built capacity for Sister-led networks and congregations to expand their focus on advocacy, shifting their approach in development from a primarily needs-based, responsive model to include a search for structural, systemic solutions that engage decision-makers at every level. This is one response to Pope Francis’ appeal for “real change, structural change”, as he decries a system “that has imposed a mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion or the destruction of nature” (July 10th, 2015).
Highlights of the UISG advocacy project include the participation of Sister Patricia Murray, UISG’s Executive Secretary, at the [World Economic Forum](https://www.globalsolidarityfund.org/gsf-at-davos/) in Davos, in May 2022. Key achievements from last year include a [Call to Action](https://www.talithakum.info/en/call-to-action/the-call-to-action) to development leaders from [Talitha Kum](https://www.talithakum.info/), the Sister-led network against human trafficking, which was launched in November 2021 with support from the Vatican Secretariat of State, numerous embassies to the Holy See, and various international NGOs.
Following the success of this event, a Call to Action on Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15 – Life below water and Life on land – will be published at the end of July by [Sowing Hope for the Planet](https://www.sowinghopefortheplanet.org/), UISG’s ecological initiative, in collaboration with the UN-focused, Sister-led coalition [UNANIMA International](https://unanima-international.org/). Last week, UISG and UNANIMA co-hosted a side event at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum, with speakers including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Holy See, HE Caroline Weijers: the event underscored the strategic role that UISG can play in connecting regional and global leaders with Sisters dedicated to empowering people on the ground.
Sister Sheila Kinsey, Coordinator of Sowing Hope for the Planet, says: “Our advocacy is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who continues to guide us on our journey to transform the world. In the spirit of synodality and solidarity, we are interconnecting grassroots concerns with national and international levels. Our process includes the integration of our values as foundational to creating social change in institutions, governments and organisations. With this intentional, systemic approach we are pursuing a critical tipping point for change, to develop a harmonious and safe way of life for all people and for our common home.”
Sister Jean Quinn, Executive Director at UNANIMA International, says: “The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened and exacerbated multidimensional inequalities. These complex, systemic, and interconnected global challenges have common roots, and they constrict communities’ livelihoods, access to much-needed protections, and human dignity. Sisters on the frontlines, working with these marginalised communities, are often best equipped to inform solutions based on the lived experiences of the people they serve. They are the true experts, and their voices must be included in places of power.”
To watch New Leaders: Sisters Advocating Globally, please click [here](https://youtu.be/TGrBofdAuJA)
To download the press pack, click [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VT99t76ManvvaRFM4ulfLhyigHZM5Ogg).
Additional information
Founded in 1965, the International Union of Superiors General is a membership organisation for the leaders of Catholic women’s congregations worldwide. Its members number more than 1,900 Superiors General, whose Generalates are located in 97 countries. Representing over 600,000 Sisters, the network of UISG congregations is estimated to be one of the largest providers of direct community support in areas including health, hunger relief, and care for children.
The Global Solidarity Fund is a unique alliance catalysing partnerships for the most vulnerable across the private sector, the development sector and Catholic communities.
UNANIMA International is a non-governmental organization advocating on behalf of women and children (particularly those living in poverty), migrants and refugees, homeless and displaced people, and the environment. UNANIMA’s work takes place primarily at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where the organisation aims to educate and influence policy-makers at the global level.
To contact the UISG communications office:
To learn more about Sisters Advocating Globally: